ABSTRACT
The broadening attraction of earlier marriage witnessed in the post-war period until 1970 has almost disappeared. Arm in arm with the delay, or possible abandonment, in entering marriage is the increasing acceptance and popularity among younger couples of living together and raising children out of wedlock. There is a growing tolerance and recognition of non-traditional family arrangements,1 and marriage has become a choice that an increasing proportion of younger men and women will deliberately refrain from.
